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The Eater Chicago Heatmap: Where to Eat Right Now

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More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort.

And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change on a regular basis to always highlight where the foodie crowds are flocking to at the moment. And keep in mind, this list is presented in no particular order.


07/11/13 Added: Lao 18, Mott Street, Homestead on the Roof, OON

08/01/13 Added: County Barbecue, Restaurant Beatrix

09/05/13 Added: Tanta, Dillman's, Burke's Bacon Bar

10/03/13 Added: Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Dusek's Board & Beer, Four Belly Asian Street Food

11/07/13 Added: The Dawson, Chop Shop, Smalls, Gogi

12/05/13 Added: Eataly, Nico Osteria, A10, The Radler

01/02/14 Added: Cicchetti, Coppervine, Baffo

02/06/14 Added: 42 Grams, Green Street Smoked Meats, Kinmont

03/06/14 Added: Boka, Spritz Burger, Stella Barra Pizzeria

Have any suggestions? Any vital omissions? Leave 'em in the comments or the tipline.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Since opening in mid-August, Gaston Acurio's first foray into the Midwest has drawn rave reviews and buzz from diners and media. It's no wonder he's one of the most renowned chefs in the world.

Dusek's

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The Longman & Eagle team has done it again, opening a the beer-themed Dusek's and subterranean Punch House in Pilsen. Residents from the neighborhood and whole city are already packing the place.

Nico Osteria

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One Off Hospitality's latest project is drawing the bulk of the who's who of the dining scene back to the Gold Coast. Italian seafood dishes, sophisticated cocktails, and creative desserts make it more than just a big name.

Eataly Chicago

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It doesn't get much hotter than Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's land of magic and pasta. With eight restaurants and a world of retail, Chicago's food scene has been greatly expanded.

Matthias Merges has brought a new level of dining to a hungry south side academic neighborhood that has welcomed it with open arms.

Cicchetti

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Mike Sheerin's foray into Venetian small plates, with sous chefs Sarah Jordan and Phil Rubino, is intriguing diners in the early going. Don't miss the inventive desserts and house-made pastas either.

The Radler

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Now open, former Vie standouts Nathan Sears and Adam Hebert are hoping to raise the level of Bavarian dining and beer in Logan Square.

42 grams

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42 Grams rose from underground club Sous Rising, serving chef Jake Bickelhaupt's intricate dishes in tasting menus inside an intimate space up north.

Coppervine

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Don Sritong is attempting to change the way Chicagoans dine by pairing three types of beverages with every one of chef Michael Taus' dishes. Diners and drinkers alike are embracing the concept.

Green Street Smoked Meats

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Visionary restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff has finally unveiled a concept unlike any he's unleashed yet. Barbecue fare springs from smokers inside a raucous West Loop warehouse that will also house a ramen bar and juice bar.

Kinmont

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Element Collective (Nellcote, Old Town Social) has done it again with their latest, Kinmont. Dubbed the "first entirely sustainable seafood restaurant in Chicago," expect a mix of classic seafood dishes and a vibrant social scene.

The Boka revamp is now open with acclaimed chef Lee Wolen launching a completely new menu. A new buildout, 180 degrees from the prior look, adds to the more approachable vibe.

Spritz Burger

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The Hearty Boys turned Hearty into a whimsical burger spot with fun desserts from Gale Gand and fizzy drinks.

Stella Barra Pizzeria

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Connected to Lettuce Entertain You and chef Jeff Mahin's Summer House Santa Monica, Stella Barra Pizzeria is drawing diners and rave reviews to its California-inspired pizza spot.

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Tanta

Since opening in mid-August, Gaston Acurio's first foray into the Midwest has drawn rave reviews and buzz from diners and media. It's no wonder he's one of the most renowned chefs in the world.

Dusek's

The Longman & Eagle team has done it again, opening a the beer-themed Dusek's and subterranean Punch House in Pilsen. Residents from the neighborhood and whole city are already packing the place.

Nico Osteria

One Off Hospitality's latest project is drawing the bulk of the who's who of the dining scene back to the Gold Coast. Italian seafood dishes, sophisticated cocktails, and creative desserts make it more than just a big name.

Eataly Chicago

It doesn't get much hotter than Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's land of magic and pasta. With eight restaurants and a world of retail, Chicago's food scene has been greatly expanded.

A10

Matthias Merges has brought a new level of dining to a hungry south side academic neighborhood that has welcomed it with open arms.

Cicchetti

Mike Sheerin's foray into Venetian small plates, with sous chefs Sarah Jordan and Phil Rubino, is intriguing diners in the early going. Don't miss the inventive desserts and house-made pastas either.

The Radler

Now open, former Vie standouts Nathan Sears and Adam Hebert are hoping to raise the level of Bavarian dining and beer in Logan Square.

42 grams

42 Grams rose from underground club Sous Rising, serving chef Jake Bickelhaupt's intricate dishes in tasting menus inside an intimate space up north.

Coppervine

Don Sritong is attempting to change the way Chicagoans dine by pairing three types of beverages with every one of chef Michael Taus' dishes. Diners and drinkers alike are embracing the concept.

Green Street Smoked Meats

Visionary restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff has finally unveiled a concept unlike any he's unleashed yet. Barbecue fare springs from smokers inside a raucous West Loop warehouse that will also house a ramen bar and juice bar.

Kinmont

Element Collective (Nellcote, Old Town Social) has done it again with their latest, Kinmont. Dubbed the "first entirely sustainable seafood restaurant in Chicago," expect a mix of classic seafood dishes and a vibrant social scene.

Boka

The Boka revamp is now open with acclaimed chef Lee Wolen launching a completely new menu. A new buildout, 180 degrees from the prior look, adds to the more approachable vibe.

Spritz Burger

The Hearty Boys turned Hearty into a whimsical burger spot with fun desserts from Gale Gand and fizzy drinks.

Stella Barra Pizzeria

Connected to Lettuce Entertain You and chef Jeff Mahin's Summer House Santa Monica, Stella Barra Pizzeria is drawing diners and rave reviews to its California-inspired pizza spot.

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